Objective To observe the effect of high glucose on the expression of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) in cultured retinal Muuml;ller glia cells. Methods The retinal tissue of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats was collected, and Muuml;ller cells were isolated and cultured. The glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and glutamine synthetase (GS) of Muuml;ller cells were identified by streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase complex. Cultured rat Muuml;ller cells were divided into control group (5.5 mmol/L glucose), group A (20 mmol/L glucose), group B (30 mmol/L glucose) and group C (40 mmol/L glucose). ATF4 protein expressions in Muuml;ller cells of four groups were measured by Western blot four days after cultured. Results GFAP and GS expressed in more than 95% of Muuml;ller cells. Over 95% of Muuml;ller cells of group A, B and C were positive for GFAP and GS. Western blots indicated that ATF4 protein in group A, B and C increased obviously compared with the control group (q=0.293, 0.754,0.484;P＜0.05). Conclusion High glucose can increase the expression of ATF4 protein and cause endoplasmic reticulum stress in retinal Muuml;ller glia cells in vitro.
Objective To observe the morphological changes of dendrite and soma in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) which subsisted in early diabetic rats. Methods The RGCs of 3-months-course diabetic rats and coeval normal rats were marked by gene gun techniques. To collect RGCs photographs by Leica microscope with Z axis and CCD camera；to observe the changes of diameter, variance of structural features in dendritic field and somata after classification which according to the size and morphology. Thy-1 antibody marks on the retinal RGCs, taking a photograph under fluorescent microscope, counting the changes of retinal RGCs density in early diabetic rat. Results In three-month diabetic rats,the density of retinal RGCs was decreased obviously. Morphological changes of RGCs in the dendritic fields were observed with gene gun technique. There was no severe variation in all kinds of the bole of cell dendrite, in which some only showed crispation partially and sparseness also twisting in the dendritic ramus. The mean diameter of dendritic field and soma in class A of diabetic rats was (401plusmn;86) mu;m, the mean diameter of dendritic field in control group was (315plusmn;72) mu;m,compared with each other, there is statistically significant differences (t=21.249，Plt;0.001); the mean diameter of soma in class A of diabetic rats was (24plusmn;6) mu;m, the mean diameter of soma in control group was (22plusmn;5) mu;m, compared with each other, there is no statistically significant differences (t=0.927，Pgt;0.05); the mean diameter of dendritic field and soma in class B of diabetic rats were (170plusmn;36)、(14plusmn;2) mu;m respectively, in control group were (165plusmn;36)、(16plusmn;2) mu;m, the mean diameter of dendritic field and soma in class C of diabetic group were(265plusmn;78)、(17plusmn;5) mu;m respectively, in control group were (251plusmn;57)、(17plusmn;4) mu;m , compared with each other, there are on statistically significant differences(t=1.357，0.798，0.835，1.104，Pgt;0.05). Conclusions In short-term diabetes, the survived RGCs show good plasticity in adult diabetic rats, especially in class A. The changes of dendrites were more sensitive than the soma, which could be the leading index of the morphologic changes of RGCs in the early stage. The good plasticity showed by the RGCs and the time window from changing in dendrite to cell death provide us many evidences not only for the research but also for the nerve protection in clinic. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis,2008,24:249-254)
ObjectiveTo observe the protective effect of Zhicao Tea Mixture on Müller cells and the expression of inflammatory factors in mice with diabetic retinopathy.MethodsSeventy-five C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the normal control group, diabetes mellitus (DM) group, low concentrations group, medium concentrations group and high concentrations group, with 16 mice in each group. The diabetes model of mice in all groups except the normal control group were established by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg). Four weeks after the successful modeling, the Zhicao Tea Mixture with low (30 ml/kg), medium (60 ml/kg) and high concentrations (120 ml/kg) were respectively administered by gavage. Weight and blood glucose of mice in each group were measured every two weeks. After 8 weeks, Western blot method was used to detect the mice retina Müller cells activation marker gelatinous fibrous acidic protein (GFAP). Immunofluorescence was performed to detect the expression GFAP and glutamine synthetase (GS). Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and ELISA were used to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of mouse retinal VEGF, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 respectively.ResultsThe weight of mice in the DM group was lower than that of the normal control group, and the blood glucose was increased. Zhicao Tea Mixture had no effect on the weight of DM mice, but had a significant hypoglycemic effect. The GFAP expression (t=38.318, P＜0.001) in the retina of mice in the DM group was increased and GS expression (t=29.737, P＜0.001) was decreased compared with the control group. The GFAP expression (t=13.677, 19.387, 16.305; P＜0.05) in the retina of mice in the low, medium and high concentrations group were decreased and GS expression (t=5.170, 19.399, 6.705; P＜0.05) were increased compared with the DM group. The expressions of retinal inflammatory factors VEGF, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in DM group all increased, while the expressions of the above-mentioned inflammatory factors in the retina of mice decreased in the low, medium and high concentrations group.ConclusionZhicao Tea Mixture can decrease the blood glucose of DM mice and reduces the diabetic retinal inflammatory response.
Objective Methods Ninety male Wister rats were randomly divided into normal control group, diabetic group and FTY720 group, thirty rats in each group. Diabetes was induced by giving a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin. FTY720 group was administered with FTY720 at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg by oral gavage daily for 3 months after establishment of diabetes. All rats were used for experiments following intervention for 3 months in FTY720 group. Immunohistochemical staining was used to observe the expression and distribution of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1), and the positive cells were counted. Real-time reverse transcription PCR was used to measure mRNA expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Fluorescein isothiocyanate-Concanavalin A perfusion was used to detect retinal leukocytes adhesion. Evans blue (EB) perfusion was used to analyze retinal vascular permeability. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect retinal inflammatory cells infiltration. Results In diabetic group, both ICAM-1(t=12.81) and VCAM-1 (t=11.75) positive cells as well as their mRNA expression (t=16.14, 9.59) were increased compared with normal control group, with statistical significance (P < 0.05). In FTY720 group, both ICAM-1(t=-9.93) and VCAM-1 (t=-6.61) positive cells as well as their mRNA expression (t=-15.28, -6.10) were decreased compared with diabetic group, with statistical significance (P < 0.05). Retinal leukocytes adhesion (t=16.32) and EB permeability (t=17.83) were increased in diabetic group compared with normal control group, while they were decreased in FTY720 group compared with diabetic group(t=-9.93, -11.82),with statistical significance (P < 0.05). There were many CD45 positive leukocytes infiltration in retina of diabetic group, including CD11b positive macrophage/activated microglia, while both of them were little in FTY720 group. Conclusions FTY720 can decrease retinal leukocytes adhesion, reduce retinal vascular permeability and inflammatory cells infiltration, which is associated with down-regulation of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1.
Objective To observe the effect of different concentration netrin-1 on retinal vascular permeability in diabetes mellitus (DM) rats. Methods Eighty adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 8 groups, 10 rats in each group, including normal control group (group A), normal＋balanced salt solution (BSS) group (group B), normal＋netrin-1 (500 μg/ml) group (group C) and DM group (50 rats in 5 sub-groups). DM rats were induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin. Three months after intraperitoneal injection, 10 DM rats in the control group were injected with BSS (group D). Forty DM rats were injected with 5 μl of different concentrate netrin-1, and were divided into DM+netrin-1 10 μg/ml group (group E), DM+netrin-1 50 μg/ml group (group F), DM＋netrin-1 100 μg/ml group (group G), DM＋netrin-1 500 μg/ml group (group H) according to the different concentration. Non-DM rats in group C were injected with netrin-1 500 μg/ml. The expression of occludin was determined by immunohistochemistry for protein, and by real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for mRNA level. Retinal vascular permeability was measured by Evans blue infusion. Results The expression of occludin protein and mRNA in group D were less than group A (t=27.71, 8.59;P=0.00, 0.00). However, the retinal vascular permeability increased in group D (t=−42.72,P=0.00). The expression of occluding protein, occludin mRNA and retinal vascular permeability showed significant differences between group D, E, F, G and H (F=146.31, 16.54, 67.77;P=0.00, 0.00, 0.00). Compared the group B with group C, there was no significant differences between the expression of occludin protein, occludin mRNA and the retinal vascular permeability (t=−1.13, 0.93, 1.04;P=0.27, 0.36, 0.31). The concentrate of netrin-1 showed a significant positive correlation to the expression level of occludin and occludin mRNA (r=0.73, 0.81;P=0.00, 0.00), but negative correlation to the vascular permeability (r=−0.61,P=0.00). Conclusion Netrin-1 can reduce the DM rats' retinal vascular permeability, which depended on the concentration of netrin-1.
The pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR) is more complex. For the upstream of traditional pathogenesis, to looking for unifying mechanism theory which proposed in foundation of common promoters and the latest view of DR may be the result of chronic inflammation. Both of them provide the basic and clinical theraby of DR with new direction. Therefore, there are many related issues still needs to intensive study. （Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis，2008，24：237-239）
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of tert-butyl hydroquinone (tBHQ) on type 2 diabetic rats retinal nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1). Methods60 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control group (NC group, n=20) and model group (n=40). The rats in model group were intraperitoneal injected with streptozotocin (30 mg/kg) to establishing type 2 diabetic mellitus (DM). There were 35 rats successfully established and they were randomly divided into diabetic group (DM group, 17 rats) and tBHQ group (18 rats). The rats in tBHQ group were fed with high fat and sugar diet with 1% tBHQ. After 4 weeks and 12 weeks of tBHQ intervention, hematoxylin eosin staining of retinal sections, immunohistochemical staining and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of Nrf2 and HO-1 were performed. ResultsIn tBHQ control, the retina of rats was normal and individual cells showed slightly edema at 4 weeks; the retinal structure of rats was clear and part of cells showed edema at 12 weeks. At 4 and 12 weeks, the expression of Nrf2 (t=3.115, 3.781) and HO-1 (t=3.485, 3.785) protein in DM group were higher than that in NC group (P < 0.05); the expression of Nrf2 (t=2.473, 2.576) and HO-1 (t=2.785, 2.879) protein in tBHQ group were higher than that in DM group (P < 0.05). In DM group, the expression of Nrf2 protein at 12 weeks was higher than that at 4 weeks (t=0.276, P < 0.05). In tBHQ group, the expression of Nrf2 (t=2.516) and HO-1 (t=2.776) protein at 12 weeks were higher than that at 4 weeks (P < 0.05). 4 and 12 weeks, the expression of Nrf2 (t=4.758, 4.285) and HO-1 (t=5.114, 4.514) mRNA in DM group were higher than that in NC group (P < 0.05); the expression of Nrf2 (t=5.133, 4.976) and HO-1 (t=4.758, 4.251) mRNA in tBHQ group were higher than that in DM group (P < 0.05). In DM gruop, the expression of Nrf2 protein at 12 weeks was higher than that at 4 weeks (t=5.114, P < 0.05). In tBHQ group, the expression of Nrf2 (t=4.292) and HO-1 (t=4.974) protein at 12 weeks were higher than that at 4 weeks (P < 0.05). ConclusiontBHQ intervention can increased the expression of Nrf2, HO-1 significantly in the retina of type 2 diabetic rats.
Objective To explore the relationship between the diabetic retinopathy (DR) and the changes of erythrocyte deformability(ED),erythrocyte membrane phospholipid and spectrin. Methods One hundred and eight patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus were divided into DR group(55 cases)and nonDR(NDR)group(53 cases).The changes of erythrocyte filtration index(EFI),erythrocyte membrane phospholipid and spectrin dimers(SP-D)and spectrin tetramers (SP-T)were measured in patients of DR and NDR groups and compared with the results of 53 cases of normal control group. Results The EFI,SP-D, SP-D/SP-T,sphingomyelin (SM) /phophatidylcholine(PC)were higher,and SPT,SM,PC,phophatidylserine(PS)and phatidylethanolamine(PE)were lower in patients with DR than those in control and NDR patients (F=8.467～18.925,q=6.845～12.627,Plt;0.001).The changes of all indicators in proliferative DR(PDR) patients were more obvious than those in background DR(BDR) patients(t=5,825-15.443,Plt;0.001).The EFI in DR patients was positively correlated to SM/PC,SP-D and SP-D/SP-T(Plt;0.01)，negatively correlated to SM,PC,PE,PS and SP-T(Plt;0.01). Conclusions The decrease of ED caused by the abnormalities of erythrocyte membrane phospholipid and spectrin might participate in the occurance and development of DR,and correlated to the degree of pathologic changes. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 1999, 15: 160-162)
ObjectiveTo observe the expression of glutamate (Glu) andγ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the retina of diabetic rats which were intervened later by insulin intensive therapy, and to investigate the mechanism of metabolic memory of hyperglycemia which induced the retina neuropathy in diabetic rats. Methods60 Brown Norway rats were randomly divided into normal control (NC) group, diabetes mellitus (DM) group (6 weeks at DM1, 12 weeks at DM2) and metabolic memory (MM) group, 15 rats in each group. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin. After 6 weeks, MM group was treated with insulin intensive therapy for 6 weeks. DM1 group was sacrificed at the end of 6 weeks and other groups were sacrificed at the end of 12 weeks. High performance liquid chromatography was used to detect the amount of Glu and GABA in the rat retina. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was applied to quantify the mRNA expressions of Glutamate decarboxylase (GAD). TdT mediated dUTP nick ending labelling was used to detect cell apoptosis. ResultsThe concentration of Glu (t=6.963), GABA (t=4.385) and the ratio of Glu/GABA (t=4.163) in MM group were significantly higher than DM1 group, but the concentration of Glu (t=3.411) and GABA (t=3.709) were significantly lower than DM2 group (P < 0.05). And there was no significant difference in the ratio of Glu/GABA between MM and DM2 groups (t=1.199, P > 0.05). The level of expressions of GAD mRNA in MM group was significantly lower than DM1 group (t=3.496, P < 0.05), but higher than DM2 group (t=8.613, P < 0.05). The number of nerve cells apoptosis in MM group was significantly higher than DM1 group (t=2.584, P < 0.05), but lower than DM2 group (t=3.531, P < 0.05). ConclusionsIntensive therapy later by insulin can partially reduce the content of Glu and GABA and the rate of nerve cells apoptosis, which cannot return to normal levels, and has no effect on the rise in the ratio of Glu/GABA caused by the hyperglycemia. The disorders of Glu and GABA may participate in the metabolic memory of hyperglycemia.
ObjectiveTo explore the effect and mechanism of netrin-1 on blood-retinal barrier permeability in diabetes mellitus (DM) rats. MethodsEighty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the normal control group, DM+balanced salt solution (BSS) group, DM+netrin-1 low dose group and DM+netrin-1 high dose group, with 20 rats in each group. DM rats were induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin (STZ). These rats were feed with high sugar and fat for 3 months after STZ injection. All rats were sacrificed at 1 month after intravitreal injection. Retinal vascular permeability was measured by Evans blue. The expression level of occludin was determined by immunohistochemistry. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining of retina was used to observe the pathological change of DM and the level of occludin mRNA was analyzed by real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Five rats of each group. ResultsHE staining of retina showed that the degree of edema and vascularization in DM+netrin-1 high dose group was better than DM+BSS group. Staining of occludin in retina was limited to nerve fiber layer, ganglion cells, inner plexiform layer and inner nuclear layer in normal rats, but in DM+BSS group, the color of staining positive of occludin was lighter and more reduced. However, DM+ netrin-1 group occludin staining was deepen and enlarged. The result of RT-PCR showed that the expression of occludin mRNA in other three groups was less than normal control group (P < 0.05). The significant difference during DM+BSS group, low dose group and DM+netrin-1 high dose group (F=177.13, P=0.00), and the more concentrate of netrin-1 the higher expression of occluding. Compared the DM+netrin-1 low dose group with DM+BSS group, there was significant difference expression of occludin (t=-13.98, P=0.00). There was significant difference between the DM+netrin-1 high dose group and normal control group (t=12.87, P=0.00). There was statistically significant difference in DM+BSS group, DM+netrin-1 low dose group and DM+netrin-1 high dose group (F=179.69, P=0.00). Compared the two group of different concentration netrin-1, the quantification of vascular permeability in DM+netrin-1 high dose group reduced more (t=12.73, P=0.00). ConclusionsNetrin-1 can protect the blood-retinal barrier in DM rats. Netrin-1 may decrease BRB leakage in DM rats by protecting the expression of occludin.